An elderly Malaysian couple who were killed in a head on crash with two Sydneysiders may have been driving on the wrong side of the road, police say.
Tayla Turczak, 24, and Brendan Sammut, 25, sustained life-changing injuries in accident while on a dream outback road trip in WA.
The newly engaged couple were driving their hired campervan on Brookton-Corrigin Road, around 210 km east of Perth, on Sunday afternoon when they collided with a Toyota Corolla.
The couple in the Corolla, believed to be Malaysian tourists, died at the scene.
Police think the 74-year-old male driver and his 72-year-old female passenger may have been driving on the wrong side of the road.
Ms Turczak, a warehouse worker, and Mr Summut, a plumber, had spent months saving for their trip which they extended to see their favourite band, Coldplay, who were playing a one-off gig in Perth.
The newly engaged couple are both in hospital and face a gruelling recovery. They are also stranded in WA as they are too injured to be flown home.
WA Police say the crash is still under investigation by the Major Crash Investigation Section and they are seeking information from the public.
Following the accident, Tayla and Brendan were flown to Royal Perth Hospital.
Tayla’s cousin Jasmyn Turczak told news.com.au that Tayla will likely be in and out of critical surgeries in a Perth intensive care until at least Christmas.
Her injuries include a fractured spine, fractured ankle, two broken wrists, a punctured lung, broken ribs, and bruising to the liver. She also needs surgery to repair internal bleeding.
Brendan’s legs were both shattered in the crash and he needs surgery to insert pins and rods into the limbs. He also faces months of rehab.
“They’re a really lovely couple, and they’ve had a bit of a hard few years but recently got engaged,” Jasmyn said of the pair.
She said Tayla, who will turn 25 next week in ICU, chose to extend the trip briefly after toiling to get elusive tickets to see Coldplay, who are playing Perth this weekend.
“Tayla was so excited for this trip as she was finally going to see Coldplay and now their life has been turned upside down, as well as their families,” she said.
Tayla and Brendan’s fathers immediately flew from the East Coast to be by their side, and Jasmyn, who has started a fundraiser, said the bills were quickly adding up.
“The biggest cost at the moment, and all we’re worried about, is making sure that Brendan’s dad and Taylor’s father can be with them.
“Finding accommodation in Perth at the moment has been quite difficult.”
Friends and family have managed to raise over $11,000, which they hope will cover accommodation and meals until Tayla and Brendan are well enough to be flown back to New South Wales by air ambulance.
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